Russell T. Davies’ searing new drama explores the rise in anti-LGBTIQ+ hate crimes

This week’s picks include a confrontational drama: Strange as the People Russell T. Davies, a trip around the world Queer Eye A new publishing house for Antoni Porowski and the always excellent ones mad man.

Fingertip ★★★★

A searing drama inspired by the rise of England Anti-LGBTIQ+ hate crimes Since 2019, Fingertip It begins immediately after the violence. In the first minute of the show, we see four people react in shock and pain to the scene of a conflict in the empty streets of Manchester in the early hours of the morning, their sobs and screams tearing the silence.

It takes place in 2026 Fingertip He charts the previous 10 days, focusing on a fight between two neighbors: flamboyant gay bar owner Leo (Alan Cumming) and Clive (David Morrissey), a quietly menacing, out-of-work electrician.

It was created by prolific Welsh screenwriter Russell T. Davies, who is known for his directorial work. Doctor Who restart, Fingertip The newest addition to the groundbreaking gay British TV canon spanning ’90s drama Strange as the Peopledystopian science fiction Years and Years And It’s a sinIt is set during the AIDS epidemic in 80s London.

But this is something new for Davies; a series filled not with the failures of the past or the future, but with the anger and fear of the present. It’s not always meaningful or subtle; especially when characters go on didactic rants about Trump or trans rights, Davies’ latitude in turning characters into spokespeople as needed.

Still, Fingertip The five episodes feel urgent, asking how far the pendulum will swing back and forth on equality for LGBTIQA+ people and all minorities. But 59-year-old Leo doesn’t want to think about it: “I don’t have to care that much anymore,” he tells his hot friend Melba over drinks. “I walked. Now it’s someone else’s turn.”

Leo’s life is full of friends, sex, Spit and Poland; The bar on Manchester’s Canal Street is where the gay quarter became immortalized. Strange as the People As an LGBTIQA+ haven. But the culture is changing, as resident vomit Melba points out: “If there’s a war, you’re on the front lines, darling. You’ve got trans bar staff; it’s the battlefield.”

Backed by a strong cast (especially Paul Rhys, who swallows Melba’s alcohol-fueled polemics), Cumming and Morrissey portray Leo and Clive as completely incompatible, neither able to understand each other.

Drawing on his own flamboyant charisma, Cumming is as brash, brave and defiant as Leo; but he lets his personality slip, hinting at the burdens he ignores for a simple, fun, gay life.

Meanwhile, Morrissey microplays Clive’s emotions, potentially hiding them even from himself. This is an icy aggression, with waves rising under a thin layer that can crack at the slightest joke from Leo. The scariest part? You may know this well.

The Best in the World with Antoni Porowski (Disney+) ★★★

Strange Eye‘s food and wine expert Antoni Porowski doesn’t divide the enthusiasm. This is, after all, the guy who gets puppy-dog excitement over Greek yogurt guacamole. It nearly broke Twitter in 2018. This enthusiasm makes him the goofy/charming host of National Geographic’s four-part travel series. The Best in the WorldHe visits Mexico City, Paris, London and New York to explore the publisher’s annual list of the best restaurants, attractions and traditions.

In each episode, Porowski goes behind the scenes of major attractions like Big Ben or The Moulin Rogue, with stops at Michelin-starred restaurants and more left-of-center experiences. Whether interviewing the New York City Marathon’s favorite volunteer, chowing down on pastries with Mexico City’s “bread and pastry nirvana” Panaderia Rosetta, or swimming in the freezing waters of London’s Canary Wharf, Porowski dives in with wordplay and plenty of seriousness.

But some moments are given a little too much emotional weight: Porowski enjoys impassioned speeches and repeatedly bursts into tears; This includes a Sri Lankan twist on a Sunday roast at a London pub. But considering he’s never afraid to be a little silly, it’s more endearing than annoying. “I’m a big fan of furniture,” he tells a Parisian. “Very beautiful but also practical.” Plus, who doesn’t act a little weird when traveling?

Dead of Winter (HBO Max) ★★★★

How could Emma Thompson say anything other than “I bet” to a tense thriller? fargo country? Directed by Brian Kirk Dead of Winter The two-time Oscar winner plays Barb, a sweet-natured Minnesota widow who stumbles upon a kidnapping and murder plot in the subzero woods. Armed with a thick accent, remarkable survival skills, and a sense of neighborliness, Barb comes face to face with an unnamed couple played with great menace by Marc Menchaca and Judy Greer. The excellent cast adds real emotional weight to the bloody cat-and-mouse game, benefiting from slightly over-emotional back stories.

The Journey Home by David Gulpilil (SBS On Demand) ★★★★

Considered one of Australia’s finest actors, the life of Yolŋu man David Gulpilil is the subject of many intimate documentaries. My Name is GulpililIt was released in November 2021, months before his death from lung cancer. This latest bid follows the actor’s dying wish to have his body returned from South Australia to his hometown of Gupulul in remote East Arnhem Land. Voiced by Hugh Jackman and directed by Maggie Miles (pioneers) and Trisha Morton-Thomas (Occupation: Local), spans this 10-month journey and quietly reflects on the actor’s life, legacy, and connection to Country.

Over Your Dead Body (Amazon Prime Video) ★★

Expect highs and lows in this ultra-bloody comedy-thriller riff. Mr and Mrs SmithStarring Jason Segel and Australian Samara Weaving. Instead of assassins, they are a toxic couple, each planning to kill the other on a weekend getaway. (Less disgusting for context.) Filled with shocking events and psychopaths (Timothy Olyphant and Juliette Lewis), the film is utterly unpredictable and elaborately staged. Directed by former sketch comics including Jorma Taccone Lonely Island / Saturday Night Live and comedy duo BriTANicK are a bit too unrefined with some introductory death scenes that take you out of the fun.

mad man (HBO Max) ★★★★★

Have you heard of this? After disappearing without a trace on Australia’s streaming services, the shadowy Don Draper (Jon Hamm) reappears, and for the first time in 4K and ultra-high definition. One of the leaders of the golden age of television in the 2000s. mad manThe intoxicating and toxic atmosphere of the advertising world of 1960s New York is entirely rewatchable across seven seasons. Yes, the cast is incredible. Yes, it is gorgeous, with a prestigious shine that is rarely matched today. But most importantly, no matter when you’re watching, it always meets the current moment.

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